Rob Helm

Rob Helm

Analyst

As managing vice president, Rob Helm covers Microsoft collaboration services and client software. His 25-plus years of experience analyzing Microsoft’s technology and strategy allows him to discern the company’s overall direction from the sometimes confusing and contradictory signals it sends to customers and the industry.

Rob previously managed the Directions on Microsoft analyst team and its database management systems, developer strategy, and embedded platform research. His 13 years of prior experience in the computer industry include research on advanced developer tools, optimization of cluster applications, design of network protocols at the University of Oregon, and design and implementation of databases for the U.S. Navy.

Rob received a B.S. in computer science and mathematics from the University of Puget Sound and an M.S. in computer science from the University of Oregon.

Latest Content by Rob Helm

  Roadmap
Updated: February 23, 2026 · by Rob Helm
Exchange Online Roadmap Changes to Exchange Online in 2026-2028 improve security, management, and control over capacity, but some could be disruptive.
  Roadmap
Updated: February 16, 2026 · by Rob Helm
Windows Client OS Roadmap The Windows client runs on devices including desktops, laptops, tablets, and all-in-one devices to run a user’s productivity and other...
  Analyst Report
February 16, 2026 · by Rob Helm
Places Charges Move from Users to Resources Places will reduce per-user charges and add charges for managed resources, effective Apr. 1, 2026
  In Brief
February 11, 2026 · by Rob Helm
Avoid Cutoff from Exchange Online in Mar. 2026 All mail systems must trust a new DigiCert root certificate by Mar. 15, 2026, or risk being cut off from...
  Roadmap
Updated: February 3, 2026 · by Rob Helm
Edge Roadmap The Edge browser's plan: Connect Copilot, tighten controls.
  Analyst Report
January 22, 2026 · by Rob Helm
Work IQ Models Work for Microsoft 365 Copilot With Work IQ, Microsoft 365 Copilot creates customer-specific answers and content.
  Charts & Illustrations
January 22, 2026 · by Rob Helm
  Roadmap
Updated: January 10, 2026 · by Rob Helm
Visio Roadmap for Visio software, which enables users to create and share business and technical diagrams.
  In Brief
January 10, 2026 · by Rob Helm
Exchange Online Removes External Mail Cap for Mailboxes Exchange Online has cancelled a mailbox-level limit on the number of external recipients contacted every 24 hours.
  In Brief
January 8, 2026 · by Rob Helm
Visio Data Visualizer for Excel Retires Mar. 2, 2026 The Visio Data Visualizer for Excel retires Mar. 2, 2026.